Canada

Sportsbooks begin to reopen – just in time for MLB and NBA seasons

Published

6 years ago

July 17, 2020

There is no hiding from the fact that the past few months have been particularly hard for land-based casinos and gambling houses. While online operations have largely benefited from lockdown rules and stay-at-home measures during the coronavirus pandemic, it has been quite the opposite experience for brick and mortar businesses.

Even as the outbreak continues to hit large parts of the United States, casino companies have begun reopening under strict health and safety measures in an attempt to get the industry’s economy moving once again. Reduced capacities and opening hours, temperature checks, face masks, and sanitization stations have all become the norm.

Among the areas of the gambling sector to begin reopening over the past few weeks has been sportsbooks across the United States.

The past two years have been an exciting time for sports betting in the US after the Supreme Court ruling that legalized sports betting in all states, and while 18 states have begun operations, others are expected to soon follow suit.

The coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent shutdown of America’s professional sports leagues made sportsbook all but useless for the past few months. But as the return of pro sports fast approaches and federal and state restrictions continue to ease, sportsbooks have started to reopen the doors.

Sportsbooks in Las Vegas, Delaware, New Jersey, Michigan, Colorado, Indiana, and Mississippi have all been welcoming visitors back over the past few weeks, while just this week, Betfred USA Sports – the US subsidiary of UK-based Betfred – announced it was set to launch its fourth sportsbook in Las Vegas at the Mohegan Sun Casino.

The timing of the widespread reopening of sportsbooks across the US is certainly not coincidental. While economically damaging to be closed for months, sportsbooks served little purpose with sports all-but nonexistent.

However, there is about to be an explosion of sports action in the coming weeks as North America’s four most popular sports all take to the field/court/rink.

What to look for: MLB, NBA, NHL

The Major League Baseball season, initially scheduled to begin in March, makes its long-awaited start on July 23 and will play out a significantly reduced regular season of just 60 games. The World Series are set to start on October 30.

The NBA season gets back underway in new surroundings from July 30 with 22 teams competing in a sort of mini league located exclusively at Walt Disney World Resort on Florida. Eight teams have been excluded on account of their inability to reach the playoffs. The Finals are scheduled to begin on September 30.

Just two weeks after the NBA kicks into gear, the NFL will start its pre-season games from August 14, with the regular season beginning on September 11. The Superbowl is scheduled for February 7.

Meanwhile, the NHL will take to the ice at the end of the month with exhibition games getting the delayed season back underway on July 28 before Stanley Cup qualifiers begin on August 1. The Stanley Cup itself will start on September 22.

As well as the “Big Four” generating plenty of interest for sports fans – and plenty of business for sportsbooks – North American horse racing has been able to continue hosting races, albeit on a reduced schedule.

The Triple Crown is going ahead after a change in the running order, with the Belmont Stakes already taking place. The Kentucky Derby will follow on September 5, with the Preakness Stakes staging the finale on October 3.

Other sports to bet on

All of this only highlights the packed sports schedule the United States is about to experience over the coming months. There will not be a day that goes by when baseball, basketball, football, hockey, or horse racing will not be happening, presenting an opportunity for sportsbooks to take advantage.

By offering visitors, the latest lines and futures bets on the “Big Four” sports and the latest Kentucky Derby odds and Preakness Stakes odds, sportsbooks across the United States will view the next few months as the ideal antidote to months of financial strain and inactivity.

You can bet on the Kentucky Derby odds online too through here: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/odds

There is plenty of damage to be undone from the coronavirus pandemic, but the return of US sport and its constant presence for the foreseeable future will allow fans and sportsbooks to at least breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Ahmed Baker Chief Commercial Officer at Incentive Games

INCENTIVE GAMES GOES LIVE WITH BETMGM IN ONTARIO

Published

57 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

incentive-games-goes-live-with-betmgm-in-ontario

B2B games provider Incentive Games, through its real-money gaming division Incentive Studios, has partnered with BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, to launch four real-money titles in Ontario. BetMGM will be first to market with these titles in the province.

The partnership has seen four of Incentive Studios’ titles, Velocity, Mega Flight, Kicker and Squid Game Red Light Green Light Cashout, go live on the BetMGM platform, bringing the studio’s portfolio of crash and arcade experiences to players across the province.

As one of North America’s leading betting and gaming operators, BetMGM has built a strong reputation for delivering premium player experiences across regulated markets. Ontario remains a key market within its growth strategy, with a continued focus on high-quality content, innovation and responsible gambling.

The launch further strengthens Incentive Games’ position in North America and marks another important milestone in the company’s continued expansion across regulated gaming markets, building on its recent securing of licences in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ontario.

Ahmed Baker, Chief Commercial Officer at Incentive Games, said, “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with BetMGM and to see four of our real-money titles go live in Ontario. From the outset, it’s been clear that we share a strong focus on delivering engaging, high-quality player experiences, making this a natural collaboration for both teams. This launch marks an exciting milestone for Incentive Studios as we continue our expansion across regulated markets, and we look forward to growing our relationship with the BetMGM team.”

Rob Passerino, Director of Gaming, BetMGM said, “BetMGM is focused on delivering the best online casino experience possible. As crash and arcade-style games continue to see significant growth, Incentive Studios’ portfolio strengthens our ability to meet evolving player demand, especially in key markets like Ontario.”

The post INCENTIVE GAMES GOES LIVE WITH BETMGM IN ONTARIO appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Alberta

Gaming Corps launches with PowerPlay in Ontario ahead of Alberta iGaming debut

Published

4 days ago

June 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

gaming-corps-launches-with-powerplay-in-ontario-ahead-of-alberta-igaming-debut

Deal puts the Swedish supplier live in Ontario and lines up a day-one rollout with PowerPlay when Alberta’s regulated market opens in July.

Gaming Corps has gone live with Canadian online sportsbook and casino operator PowerPlay in Ontario, expanding its distribution in Canada through an operator registered with iGaming Ontario and regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

The agreement also positions Gaming Corps to launch with PowerPlay in Alberta “from day one” when the province opens its newly regulated online gaming market in July, according to the companies. The partnership further extends Gaming Corps’ content across all PowerPlay.com markets.

PowerPlay’s rollout includes several Gaming Corps titles from its 3 Pigs franchise, including 3 Pigs of Olympus and 4 Gym Pigs: Porky Power. Football-themed releases Penalty Champion: Goals to Glory, Goals to Glory Football Fever and Goals to Glory Instant Blitz are also part of the initial content drop.

Graham Greensmith, Chief Commercial Officer at Gaming Corps, said “Canada is becoming an increasingly important market for Gaming Corps, and this launch puts us in a strong position at exactly the right time. Ontario has already shown what a well-structured regulated market can deliver, and Alberta now represents a significant next step.

“PowerPlay has a clear local brand presence and operates across both sportsbook and casino in a way that fits closely with where we see the market heading. This is a launch that gives us an immediate foothold in Ontario, a clear path into Alberta, and a strong foundation for further growth across wider PowerPlay.com markets.”

Lauren Holder, Head of Casino at PowerPlay said: “PowerPlay has grown by focusing on what Canadian players value: choice, trust and an entertainment experience that feels grounded in this market. Gaming Corps fits well within that approach. Its games bring a distinctive tone and pace to our casino, while also giving us content that can work around key sporting moments and new regulated market opportunities. As we continue to develop our casino proposition, we look forward to working with Gaming Corps and bringing its content to players across all PowerPlay.com markets.”

The post Gaming Corps launches with PowerPlay in Ontario ahead of Alberta iGaming debut appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Canada

Gaming Corps goes live with PowerPlay in Ontario ahead of Alberta market opening

Published

4 days ago

June 11, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

gaming-corps-goes-live-with-powerplay-in-ontario-ahead-of-alberta-market-opening

Gaming Corps – a publicly-listed game development company based in Sweden, has gone live with Canadian online sportsbook and casino operator PowerPlay.

The agreement brings Gaming Corps into Ontario through one of Canada’s established online betting and casino brands, while also positioning the studio to go live with PowerPlay from day one in Alberta when the province opens its newly regulated online gaming market in July.

The partnership also extends Gaming Corps’ content across all PowerPlay.com markets, creating a broader route to players through an operator with a distinctly Canadian identity.

PowerPlay, which launched in 2018, combines sports betting across more than 40 categories with a casino offering more than 1,200 games, alongside a 24/7 live casino experience. The operator is registered with iGaming Ontario and regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

At launch, PowerPlay will introduce players to several of Gaming Corps’ most recognisable content strands, led by the 3 Pigs franchise, including the popular 3 Pigs of Olympus and latest instalment, 4 Gym Pigs: Porky Power.

The roll-out also lands as international football prepares to dominate the summer calendar, with Penalty Champion: Goals to Glory, Goals to Glory Football Fever and Goals to Glory Instant Blitz bringing three distinct football-led releases to PowerPlay’s casino catalogue.

Adding a different tempo to the launch is Banknote Blitz, a fast-paced instant win inspired slot where shifting Win Frames, prize collection mechanics and multipliers can unlock full banknote rewards and wins of up to 5,000x.

The post Gaming Corps goes live with PowerPlay in Ontario ahead of Alberta market opening appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.